About the Competition: At the end of 2023, an international competition was announced for the conceptual architectural design of a complex that includes the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Natural History Museum, and the Park of Culture and Arts in Podgorica, Montenegro. This competition attracted the attention of renowned architects from around the world, providing an opportunity for innovative solutions that will enrich the cultural scene of Montenegro. Numerous prominent architects were invited to participate, including Sou Fujimoto, Junyu Ishigami, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Snøhetta, and Henning Larsen. The significance of the competition is underscored by a prestigious jury, which included esteemed experts such as Odile Decq and members of Zaha Hadid Architects. Out of 48 submissions from around the globe, the conceptual design by the Italian studio A-FACT received the highest score.

About the Conceptual Design: The future museum would be located on the site of the former Morača barracks, in a central location along the Morača River and the Millennium Bridge, which has become a symbol of Podgorica. The aim of the conceptual design is to preserve the existing greenery and maintain the original urban silhouette while ensuring easy accessibility for visitors. The inspiration for the design emerged from the symbol of a nest, with a particular emphasis on the Montenegrin bionic identity with birds - falcon and eagle. The oval forms of the buildings, surrounded by greenery and reflective water surfaces, create a new context that symbolically represents a nest that nurtures and develops future generations. According to our design, this complex would not only serve as an exhibition space but also as a place where knowledge and values are cultivated and transmitted—fundamental elements for the development of future generations. Through this project, we aimed to contribute to the development of Montenegro's cultural scene by creating a space that would inspire, educate, and connect the community.